Sony finally announced a new game, Ghost of Yōtei, at its State of Play event at the end of September. The world of feudal Japan is one that we’re witnessing Sucker Punch Productions’ samurai game possibly grow into a beautiful series. The Ghost of series continues after the acclaim of the first game, Tsushima. While fans of the original game are excited to return to the epic battles and stunning landscapes of ancient Japan, this new adventure promises to bring some unexpected changes.
Set to release on PS5 in 2025, the game has the gaming community buzzing. However, those hoping for a quick jump to PC may need to hold their breath. Judging by the model drawn by Ghost of Tsushima, it might be a while before the sequel comes to PC.
Ghost of Yōtei takes you from a small province to a large state
The most important announcement from Sucker Punch so far is that Ghost of Yōtei will introduce a brand new protagonist. While Ghost of Tsushima follows the journey of Jin Sakai, Yōtei shifts the focus to a different protagonist, donning the iconic Ghost mask and exploring a new legend. The story will take place far away from the lush nature of Tsushima, in an area surrounding the imposing Mount Yōtei in northern Japan.
Set in 1603, 300 years after the original game, this new period of history brings its challenges. The northern regions were beyond the control of organized samurai clans, with vast grasslands and treacherous tundra full of unpredictable threats. Players will not only have to contend with the physical dangers of this harsh terrain but also discover the secrets of this untamed region.
In an exciting twist, the game’s trailer hints at a new combat system. The mysterious protagonist is shown wielding not just one katana, but two, signaling a change in gameplay mechanics. This dual-wielding technique, along with the addition of firearms, could offer a more dynamic experience. In addition, we will also have a pet animal, which is actually not very tame, as understood in the diagrams, a wolf. As explained by Ghost of Yōtei’s creative director Jason Connell, players will need to master both melee and ranged weapons to survive the challenges of this vast open world.
Innovating while honoring the past
Ghost of Tsushima was praised for its beautiful depiction of feudal Japan and engaging narrative, and Ghost of Yōtei appears to be following in its footsteps. Andrew Goldfarb, Sucker Punch’s head of communications, stressed that the core elements that made the original so endearing – the freedom of exploration, the serene yet dangerous landscapes, and the wandering warrior theme – will remain intact.
But the team is keen to push the boundaries with this sequel. They are keeping many details under wraps. But it’s clear that they’re aiming to offer something ‘fresh but familiar’, giving players new reasons to immerse themselves in this world. As Connell hinted in an interview with The New York Times, balancing these elements is crucial to avoiding the repetitive nature often seen in open-world games.
PC players might have to wait… again
For those playing on PC, patience may be required. Ghost of Tsushima arrived on the platform years after its initial release on PS4 and PS5, so the timeline for Ghost of Yōtei could follow a similar path. A specific date for the PC version has yet to be mentioned. But the optimists among us are hopeful that it might not take that long this time around.
At the first State of Play following the PS5 Pro, Ghost of Yōtei was unveiled as the new Sony Studios-only title. We would like to see new or sequel games presented in the 30-minute presentation, not remakes or remastered ones. But at least we have a game in our hands. It will be released in 2025.
Image credits: PlayStation Blog
